10 Best Foods for Healthy Lungs – World Lung Day

Healthy lungs are the key to an active and fulfilling life. Most of us ignore our lung health, others don’t really pay much attention to it before it starts to deteriorate.

According to WHO respiratory diseases are a global health concern.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects almost 65 million people and causes at least 3 million deaths globally each year!

On World Lung Day, 25th September 2021 let’s make a pledge to keep our lungs healthy in order to prevent lung diseases.

You can keep your lungs healthy by quitting smoking, limiting exposure to air pollution, regular exercises, and maintaining a healthy diet.

What are the best foods for healthy lungs?

Below is a list of the top 10 foods for lung health:

1. Water

Drinking plenty of water is good for your lungs. Lungs consist of 85% water and require an adequate supply of it to function well.

There’s also a mucus lining around your lungs. Drinking enough water ensures that this lining remains thin. A thinner lining results in better functioning lungs.

2. Chili peppers

Chili peppers can be surprisingly good for your lungs. They contain a compound called “capsaicin.”

According to a study on chili peppers, capsaicin can slow down the formation of tumors in the lungs and can stop lung cancer metastasis.

3. Apples

Apples are excellent for lung health. They contain “quercetin” an antioxidant that prevents lung damage caused by smoking. Regularly eating apples can also prevent COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) according to research.

4. Turmeric

Adding turmeric to your diet can prove to be beneficial for your lung health.

Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which can prevent lung diseases, cleanse and strengthen the lungs.

5. Oranges

Oranges are one of the best foods for healthy lungs. They are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. Eating oranges can therefore boost immunity and prevent respiratory infections.

The orange peel is also known to aid respiratory distress. It can cleanse the lungs of irritation and congestion.

6. Tomatoes

Eating tomatoes and tomato products can protect your lungs from deterioration and inflammation.

They contain lycopene, a carotenoid that promotes better lung function. They slow down lung decline as well as heal damage to the lungs caused by smoking.

7. Olive Oil

Olive oil is highly beneficial for your lungs. The monosaturated fatty acids in olive oil have anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce lung inflammation.

Moreover, alpha-tocopherol a type of Vitamin-E found in olive oil improves lung function.

8. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens like spinach can reduce your chances of getting lung cancer.

They are rich in iron, vitamins, calcium, and other nutrients that strengthen the lungs and also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation.

9. Pomegranate

Pomegranates stop the growth of cancer cells in the lungs. It can also prevent various respiratory disorders.

Pomegranate juice contains antioxidants that prevent lung injury

10. Coffee

Coffee can greatly benefit your lungs and keep respiratory diseases at bay.

Research suggests that caffeine that is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory can improve lung function and reduce the risk of asthma.

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